Maps of Renewable Energy Potential
In case you were wondering which parts of the US had the greatest potential for renewable energy, I have come across a couple of maps.
First, we have solar which the Southwest has the greatest access to.
Next, we have wind where the Midwest leads. 
Finally, we have geothermal where Nevada takes the cake.
Solar and wind maps come courtesy of Firstlook, which is a really cool site that mashes Google Maps with renewable energy potential. You can input your address and it will show you how much potential wind or solar power you can generate.
via EcoGeek via Earth2Tech
Update: The Audacious Epigone asks about hydropower. Looks like the Northwest and Northeast have the most potential there. 
I would guess that most of that potential has already been tapped. This map shows current usage. I also came across this cool Google Map of Northwest Power Generation.
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2 comments:
I wonder if the NE leads in hydro potential, not that it is really comparable to the potential of the other three.
And believe me, I wish we could share some of this infernal wind with other parts of the country!
Good question. I initially left it out because I figured most of it was already tapped, whereas the others are opportunities for new generation. But, might as well add it in.
And believe me, I wish we could share some of this infernal wind with other parts of the country!
Heh. I have wondered if you have enough wind mills setup if they would take some of the power out of the wind and slow it down some. I don't think they actually capture enough energy to do this, but if they could it would be great to slow down those hurricanes.
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